Outside group’s radio ad attempts to minimize Huey’s anti-choice views; pro-choice group vows to mobilize its members in support of Janice Hahn

Washington D.C. - Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, called an outside group’s radio ad that attempts to downplay Craig Huey’s anti-choice views a last-minute ploy that will not work with voters in a district that has consistently elected pro-choice representation to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The group behind this ad is basically telling voters that choice is not relevant because Huey’s extreme anti-choice views are so out of touch with the district’s values,” Keenan said. “Instead, we have another opportunity to remind voters that Janice Hahn is the candidate who believes women and their doctors can make personal, private decisions without political interference. Huey, on the other hand, runs a website that includes hateful anti-choice rhetoric. The contrast is clear—and, indeed, relevant.”

Keenan made her remarks during a conference call hosted by Stephanie Schirock, president of EMILY’s List, with Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Dawn Laguens, vice president of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. The call was in response to the National Republican Trust PAC, which is airing an ad that criticizes NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC-endorsed Hahn for pointing out that Huey’s position on abortion is out of sync with the district’s views.

In addition, Keenan, whose organization counts 2,065 member activists in the 36th District, said a recent poll conducted for NARAL Pro-Choice California shows voters in the Golden State would prefer a candidate who voted against more restrictions on abortion over one who supported more restrictions by a 56 to 32 percent margin. That’s a 24-point gap in favor of the pro-choice candidate.

“Being pro-choice is an asset in California,” Keenan said. “We are going to do all that we can to ensure that our member activists turn out on July 12 so Huey’s candidacy is irrelevant on July 13. No one should take this race for granted; it is critical that all pro-choice voters turn out to make sure Janice Hahn is their next congresswoman.”